“I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me” – Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

Today, we celebrated Founder’s Day at our PYP Campus to honor and celebrate the Great Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s life, dedication and unmatched contribution to the Republic of Ghana and Africa. It was our honor to host his daughter, and prominent politician, Ms. Samia Nkrumah.

As Ms. Samia Nkrumah was welcomed by our Director, Dr. Fatma Odaymat, our Head of Primary, Ms. Dania Sadek, our Head Boy and Head Girl, we all stood up to sing the Ghana National Anthem and National Pledge.

Our PYP Coordinator started off the Founder’s Day Celebration with “The New Mandela is a Woman”, referring to the famous Huffpost Article about the life, memories and contributions of our Chief Guest, Ms. Samia Nkrumah. As Samia Nkrumah entered active politics, to promote the enduring vision of her father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, for Ghana’s and Africa’s “socio-economic and cultural emancipation”, people believe that – “Kwame Nkrumah’s spirit has come back and is shining on Ghana.”

Founder’s Day is celebrated on the day of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s birthday – 21st September. One of our students, Tamanna, came on stage to briefly tell students about what Founder’s Day celebration signifies to the nation! A student from Year 4 also came on stage to deliver a poem in a multitude of Ghanaian languages and proverbs; as he closed his poem, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Independence Speech echoed – “At long last, the battle has ended! And thus, Ghana, your beloved country is free forever!”

A group of our students also gave a presentation on the 7 Wonders of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah –

1. Tema Metropolis – the Industrial Hub of Ghana, Affordable Homes and the Address System of Tema – Community

2. Tema Harbour

3. Peduase Lodge – The 1st Presidential Retreat of Ghana

4. Adomi Bridge – Over the largest Man-made Lake, Lake Volta

5. Tema Motorway – The 1st and only Motorway in Ghana, till date

6. Akosombo Dam – the Nation’s Bedrock, plays a large role in sustaining the economy

7. KNUST – Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

A group of our Performing Arts students also came on stage to perform various Ghanaian dances. It was beautiful to watch!

As the students left the stage, our Chief Guest, Ms. Samia Nkrumah was called to take the stage! She said that the 7 Wonders of Kwame Nkrumah reminds her of a story that she will tell to the students.

It was the Peduase Lodge, where Ms. Samia Nkrumah was born. Based on her mother’s story, Ms. Samia Nkrumah recalls that when Dr. Kwame Nkrumah learnt of the birth of his daughter at the Peduase Lodge, he came in with a big Bouquet of Flowers because Ghana would become a Republic, 7 days later. He celebrated the birth of a girl, by re-affirming that women played as big a role as the men in the fight for independence, and made sure that women had prominent participation in governance. Thus, was formed the first 10 Parliament seats for women in Ghana’s first parliament, and the Representation of People’s Amendment Bill, when he realized that the parliament was dominated by men.

She recalls that Peduase Lodge was built with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s own salary. Upon Ghana being a Republic, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah gave the Peduase Lodge to the nation as the first Presidential Lodge of Ghana. She declared that she follows her father’s vision, not solely because he is her father, but because of his selflessness towards Ghana and the Pan-African vision.

She further went on to tell another story about his vision for a united Africa. She told the story of her Egyptian mother marrying Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in another country. His Pan-Africanism and vision drew her mother, Ghana’s 1st First Lady Mrs. Fathia Nkrumah to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and she never left Ghana until he left Office.

She remembers another line from his Independence Speech – “Our Independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total Liberation of Africa.” She speaks that Africa’s richness is in its Diversity, and it prospers in Unity. Colonialism divided Africa, and she believes in the vision of Africa joining hands together to prosper and not be clogged under the lens of poverty and inequality. She leads the Legacy and vision of her father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, for Africa’s Liberation, Emancipation and Prosperity.

Ms. Samia Nkrumah ended her speech by applauding the efforts of our school, ARIS. In our diversity, we remain united with the same mission, vision and dedication to Inspire, Empower and Transform for a better world. We are one school and one community, and we embrace our diversity to stand as one.

There was not a person in the hall unmoved by her speech. We would like to sincerely thank Ms. Samia Nkrumah for joining us at our Founders Day celebration. This is a memory and opportunity that will not be forgotten.

Happy Founders Day everyone!